Students Rejoice as Kerala Announces Surprise Holiday for FIFA World Cup Final

Football fever has reached unprecedented levels in Kerala , with the state government declaring a holiday on Monday for all schools, colleges and higher educational institutions to allow students to watch the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain , which kicks off at 12:30 am IST .

The decision came after widespread requests from students and football lovers who said the late-night final would make it difficult to attend classes the following morning. Recognising the state's deep passion for the sport, the government approved the holiday for institutions under both the General Education Department and the Higher Education Department .

Announcing the decision through social media, General Education Minister N Samsudheen addressed students with a cheerful message, asking, "Happy now, children?" He said the holiday was being granted after considering the requests of football enthusiasts eager to witness one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Higher Education Minister Roji M John also confirmed that colleges and professional educational institutions would remain closed on Monday. He said the move followed the Chief Minister's direction and was aimed at giving students an opportunity to enjoy the World Cup final without worrying about travelling late at night or attending classes after staying awake.

The demand for a holiday had gained momentum earlier when former Education Minister V Sivankutty urged the government to suspend classes, pointing out that the match would continue into the early hours of Monday. He had also suggested compensating for the lost academic day by declaring a Saturday as a working day. Similar appeals were made by several UDF leaders .

Kerala has long been regarded as one of India's biggest football strongholds , with fans passionately supporting international teams and turning every FIFA World Cup into a festival. The government's decision reflects the state's unique football culture, ensuring that students can enjoy the much-anticipated final without academic concerns.